LGBT therapists in Encinitas, CA

Much of my work lives in the quieter, often invisible seasons of life. The ones rarely named but felt deep in your bones. The long work of trauma recovery and PTSD. The ache of grief. The slow unraveling of relationships you once thought were unshakable. The pull of old abandonment wounds. The disorientation of postpartum identity shifts. The thresholds of career and purpose. These passages can feel like endings, yet they're also quiet beginnings, waiting to be met with care. In our work together, we'll listen for what's ready to be released and make room for what's trying to emerge.

I believe that most people are either stuck repeating a cycle of generational trauma, or carrying the burden of bravely breaking that cycle. You deserve to break that cycle by discovering and embracing your best self, without fear or shame. But I understand that this is not always easy. I can help you break down the barriers that prevent you from achieving your goals and assist you on a transformative journey to becoming the person you want to be. Therapy is a process of the human spirit requiring courage, creativity, and self-compassion and I welcome you to join me.

I have been working in private practice for a few years and before that I worked in non-profits with a variety of individuals and groups. I am the parent of two adult sons and have three grandchildren that I thoroughly enjoy spending time with. I have an educational background in the study of philosophy, spirituality and counseling psychology. I have experience with helping people with histories of trauma, severe mental illness, as well as, symptoms of anxiety and depression. I also have experience and some expertise with clients struggling with substance use.

Some seasons of life ask more of you than you ever expected, and somewhere along the way you stopped feeling like yourself. I work with teens, parents, and adults who are moving through anxiety, depression, grief, relationship strain, and the heavy stretches that come with big life transitions. I care deeply about supporting LGBTQIA+ and transgender clients, and families who want to understand and show up for one another a little better. So much of this work is simply remembering that you do not have to carry any of it alone.

Hello, my name is Tamra Smith. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Sacramento, CA. I have over 20 years of experience in the field of Mental Health Services, especially providing therapy and consultation. My practice name is Path to Wellbeing Therapy Services, and I truly lead each person on a path to their own emotional health and wellbeing.

In addition to my work as a licensed therapist, I have over 15 years of experience supporting children, adults, couples, and families in a variety of mental health and community settings. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with teens, adults, couples, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences. My passion is helping cycle breakers heal old wounds, build healthier relationships, and create lives that feel more connected, intentional, and authentic.

As a therapist, I am passionate about walking alongside folks as they reveal their truths and vulnerabilities to themselves. I believe, and have witnessed that people are capable of long standing change with knowledge, support, and connection, and that therapy is a great place for that. You can learn new ways to manage life stressors, feel safe, gain confidence, and live a more joyful and purposeful life. I use cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and strength-based techniques, while never ignoring the human element and connection where the real change happens.

I specialize in supporting women and queer folk heal from complex trauma, anxiety, and depression. I believe meaningful healing involves more than understanding our experiences intellectually—it also involves reconnecting with the body and helping the nervous system develop a greater sense of safety. In our work together, I can help you move beyond insight alone and develop practical tools and embodied practices to better understand and respond to the patterns underlying your struggles.

I am trained in Somatic Experiencing, EMDR and Brainspotting, evidence-informed somatic approaches that can support healing from trauma and C-PTSD. I am currently completing my training in EMDR. I love helping people reconnect with their bodies, access and integrate the full range of their emotions, and develop a deeper sense of aliveness, authenticity, and connection with themselves and others.

I have experience working with neurodivergent individuals, highly sensitive people, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and people who embrace alternative relationship and lifestyle structures, including consensual non-monogamy. I strive to create a space where you can show up as your whole self—without judgment—and feel genuinely seen, understood, and supported.

Hello! I am Registered Yoga Teacher, Clinical Supervisor & Consultant, as well as a Certified Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts Practitioner.

I have almost a decade of experience working with children, adults, couples, and families in a therapeutic capacity. I specialize in trauma and family work. I am an integrative psychotherapist – integrating art therapy, play therapy, sand tray, mindfulness, astrology, spirituality, and more into therapy.

After graduating from New York University with a BFA in drama, I moved to Los Angeles and taught drama and English literature at an L.A. public high school for nearly 20 years. My experience working with teenagers and their families taught me that, all too often, kids' barriers to learning are not academic in nature, but rather emotional challenges stemming from adversity and trauma. I became more and more interested in learning how to help teenagers and adults alike navigate these obstacles and come out stronger in the long run. So, I went back to graduate school to pursue a new career as a therapist so that I could help in a different way. My training and experience has focused on treating anxiety disorders (including OCD), PTSD and Complex-PTSD, and also couples - helping them to navigate challenges and triggers so that they can reset and reconnect.

Welcome and thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. As a licensed therapist practicing in both California and New York, I believe deeply in the inherent resilience and transformative potential within every individual. I earned my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University. Throughout my clinical practice, I have supported clients across all life stages in navigating complex emotional challenges, including trauma, anxiety, and depression, while empowering them to cultivate healthy, fulfilling interpersonal relationships.